Before You Leave plan ahead. Learn about the area ahead of
time. Study the latest guidebooks and maps that give information on highways,
trails, streams and other physical features. Use this website to help plan
your trip. Plan your trip carefully
according to routes and the time you have available. Check weather reports
before you set out.

Prepare yourself physically. If your planned recreation
calls for considerable physical exertion, get in shape beforehand. Do not
attempt a trip that is beyond your physical capabilities.

Leave word of your destination and schedule. In order to
locate you in an emergency or send assistance should you need it, leave word
at home or with a friend as to where you are going and when you intend to
return.

Know the rules and guidelines for
the area you are visiting.

Bring plenty of WATER!!!

On The Trail

Dress appropriately for the season and where appropriate
hiking shoes or boots. Layered clothing is best to meet changing weather
conditions. If cool or wet conditions can be expected it is recommended that
you avoid cotton clothing, which insulates poorly when wet and dries very
slowly. I also carry an extra pair of socks, shirt, gloves and a winter
hat in my pack (even in the summer). Gloves can come in handy,
even in the summer.

Carry a compass and a topographic map of the area. Be
sure you know
how to use both.

If you have a GPS hand held unit, use this also.
Remember to set a waypoint where your vehicle is!

Take along appropriate equipment and supplies. A day pack
containing rain gear, extra warm clothing, high energy food, water, first aid
kit, pocket knife, whistle, lighter and matches in a waterproof container are
recommended. Sunglasses and insect repellent are also handy. I also
carry a bandana, fire starters, Kleenex, toilet paper, emergency blanket and
rope.

Do not drink water from ponds or streams unless you have
treated it first by boiling, filtering or using purification tablets. I
believe boiling is the best way.

You should sign in at any Department of Environmental
Conservation trail register you may pass. This will assist us in finding you
should they need to search for you.

What food should I bring for my day hike?

Trail mix

Granola Bars

Energy Bar

Beef Jerky

Snacks you like

Bring enough food to hold you over in case you get lost.

If You Get Lost or Someone is Injured

If you become lost, keep calm, stay dry, keep warm and stay
put.

If it appears that you will need to spend the night in the
woods, build a campfire to provide heat, light and comfort. A campfire will be
invaluable in locating you if you have been reported missing. Aircraft may be
used in searching when weather permits and smoky campfires may be spotted from
the air

If the weather is particularly cold or bad and you must
spend the night in the woods, also build a small shelter using dead branches,
hemlock boughs and leaves. The shelter will serve as a "cocoon" and should be
just big enough for you to lie in comfortably. Set up camp before darkness
falls.

If you feel you can try and find your way out of the woods,
remember that following streams downhill will nearly always lead you back to
signs of habitation.

Any person knowing you are overdue should contact the New
York State Forest Ranger in the area of your trip.

In case of accident, at least one person should remain with
the injured person. Know and use basic first aid techniques. Others in the
group should carefully note the location and contact the local New York State
Forest Ranger.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include

Red, hot, dry skin, no sweating (sign of heat stroke)

Heavy sweating (sign of heat exhaustion)

Rapid, strong pulse

Headache

Dizziness

Nausea

Confusion

Paleness

Muscle cramps

Fainting

Follow these simple steps to minimize biting
insects

Wear light colored clothing.

Wear long sleeve shirts and long pants.

Tuck shirts into pants.

Button or rubber band sleeves at the wrist.

Tuck the bottom of pant legs into your socks.

Pack a headnet to wear when insects are thick.

Use an insect repellant with DEET, follow label directions.

Are you planning a backpacking trip? Check out any of these books to help
you prepare: